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Bill Benson

Fred William “Bill” Benson of Kettle Falls passed away in his sleep on Oct. 28 in Spokane. Bill was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on Jan. 18, 1926. He graduated from Ogden High School, went into the Air Force for two years, and then graduated from Weber College with a two-year degree in Arts and Science. After proposing on their second date on August 16, 1950, Bill married Shirley Lee Taylor in Ogden, Utah—just 11 days after they met each other. Bill was a veteran of World War II, serving with an air crew in the 8th Air Force, 533 Bomb Squadron, 381st Bomb Group and flying 28 missions in B-17’s out of England. Bill received many ribbons, medals and a Presidential Citation during his service. Bill was a terrific dancer. He was artistic and was a skilled woodworker and welder. He as an avid golfer and loved to go boating and fishing. He loved the outdoors and hand-fed deer in his yard over the years. Bill started a towing service and wrecking yard business in 1964. Bill was preceded in death by his dear wife of 63 years, Shirley; by his son, Jeff; his sister, Charlotte, and his parents, Virginia and Ted. Bill is survived by his three daughters, Monica (Bob) Vierra, Michelle (Phillip) Link, and Denise (Tracy) McLean; his eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Michael, Stephanie, William, Melissa, Jacob, Aaron and Sheila; six great-grandchildren, Copper, Trapper, Jayson, Logan, Joseph, and Olivia; his sister, Carol, and many other extended family members and close friends. A celebration of life is planned for Bill and Shirley Benson in the spring of 2014.